Meet Ikigai

Business owner in her shop amongst products
Region/NationLeamington Spa, West Midlands
Business NameIkigai
OwnerLaura Suominen
PartnerBizBritain
Social Media

Ikigai, located in Leamington Spa, specialises in sourcing Japanese imported homeware items, yukata and otaku products such as official Studio Ghibli Merchandise.

Laura took out a £12,000 loan via BizBritain in early 2024, with funding going towards a company car, the development of a new website and to further increase the inventory of items that are imported from Japan.

Impact of the Start Up Loan

£12K

The funding was used towards a company car, the development of a new website and to further increase the inventory of items that are imported from Japan.

BizBritain

BizBritain is an official Start Up Loans Business Support Partner and has a team of experienced business advisers who work closely with applicants to help prepare their business plan and cash flow forecast.

The funding from the Start Up Loans has been a huge help in growing our business and supporting our ambition to bring Japanese culture and homeware to Leamington Spa. I run the business alongside my partner, James, and we’re proud to have been able to grow the business to a level which supports us both financially so we can work together on our shared passion. - Laura Suominen Founder of Ikigai
Start Up Loans

Ikigai

Laura Suominen, the founder of Ikigai, an eco-conscious and Japanese-inspired homeware store, Ikigai The store is located in Leamington Spa, specialises in sourcing Japanese imported homeware items, yukata and otaku products such as official Studio Ghibli Merchandise.

Read the Success Story